Project Accountant

Smith Group of Americas; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in New York is seeking an Entry-Level Project Engineer focused on finance to support project management and finance activities. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include cost tracking, change order management, and assisting project managers. This role offers significant exposure to financial controls and construction processes, making it ideal for those interested in project accounting. Join a collaborative team in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Internship or experience in construction, accounting, or finance is preferred but not required.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.

Responsibilities

• Assist with change order management and RFI documentation.
• Support preparation of owner pay applications and financial reporting.
• Maintain up-to-date contract documents and specifications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

Position Title: Project Engineer (Entry Level)

Employment Status: Full-time Regular

Primary Location: Syracuse, NY

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Entry‑Level Project Engineer (Finance‑Focused) plays a dual role supporting both construction project management and the finance department. This position is ideal for a candidate with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and an interest in understanding the financial, contractual, and operational side of construction.

You will assist with change order management, RFI documentation, cost tracking, forecasting, pay applications, budget reporting, and contract compliance, while working closely with project teams, subcontractors, and the Controller. This role offers significant exposure to financial controls, project accounting, and construction management processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Accounting Support (Primary Function)

• Work closely with the Controller and finance team to track, code, and reconcile project costs and job cost reports.
• Assist in preparing monthly cost‑to‑complete forecasts, budget updates, and project financial summaries.
• Review subcontractor invoices for accuracy, contract compliance, and alignment with field progress.
• Support preparation of owner pay applications, including gathering backup documentation, lien waivers, and verifying quantities.
• Assist in monitoring committed costs, purchase orders, change orders, and labor hours.
• Help verify accuracy of billing, revenue recognition, and project financial performance indicators.
• Maintain financial logs including Change Orders, Contingency Logs, Allowance Logs, and Cost Event Logs.

Change Orders & RFI Management

• Prepare, review, and track Change Orders, ensuring accuracy in scope, quantities, pricing, and supporting documentation.
• Support Project Managers in evaluating subcontractor Change Order Requests (CORs) for financial impact.
• Process, log, and distribute Requests for Information (RFIs) and ensure timely communication across project teams.
• Assist in gathering pricing, quotes, and backup needed for change order negotiation and approval.

Document Control & Project Coordination

• Maintain up‑to‑date contract documents, specifications, drawings, and electronically filed project records.
• Assist in distributing approved submittals, drawings, and project communications to subcontractors and field teams.
• Study project documents to ensure coordination among trades and adherence to contract requirements.
• Participate in project meetings and assist with meeting minutes and action item tracking.
• Assist procurement by verifying material quantities, ensuring timely release of materials, and tracking deliveries.
• Help prepare logs for submittals, materials, equipment, and fabrication schedules.
• Support engineering teams in verifying installation requirements, material specifications, and technical documentation.

Project Closeout

• Assist in compiling close‑out materials including:
  • O&M Manuals
  • Warranty documentation
  • As‑built drawings
  • Final subcontractor closeout packages
  • Financial and compliance closeout documentation

Other Activities

• Support both operations and finance teams as needed based on project demands.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project and company goals.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience

• Internship or experience in construction, accounting, or finance is preferred but not required.
• Exposure to construction documents or financial reporting is a plus.
• Strong financial acumen with interest in project accounting.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both finance and construction field teams.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to read or learn to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with construction management software (Procore, Bluebeam) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Periodic visits to job sites requiring walking, standing, and wearing PPE.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.